Our Active Transportation Plan is a joint planning venture undertaken with the Village of Pittsford. We expect to have the next public workshop for it in the months immediately ahead.

Updated 9/14/17:

The Town of Pittsford has completed its portion of the Active Transportation Plan and provided it to the Village of Pittsford.

Updated 4/19/17:

The Town and Village are working together on a draft of the Active Transportation Plan; once it is completed a public information meeting will be scheduled to obtain comments on the plan. In the meantime, public comments about transportation and walkability in the Town and Village are welcome on an ongoing basis and may be directed to Supervisor Smith at bsmith@townofpittsford.org and Mayor Corby at mayorcorby@villageofpittsford.com.

Updated 1/18/17:

The Town and Village have developed draft recommendations for an Active Transportation Plan based upon public comments and recommendations from the plan committee members and consultant and shared them at a Community Open House on January 12, 2017 at the Pittsford Fire Department Station #2. Boards and maps showing the draft recommendations were on display and plan team members were on hand to discuss the recommendations and take comments. To view the draft recommendation materials, visit our Active Transportation Plan web page at www.townofpittsford.org/active-transportation-plan.

Updated 1/4/17:

The Town and Village have developed draft recommendations for an Active Transportation Plan and are seeking input in the areas of biking and walking infrastructure, connections to destinations, traffic calming in the Village, and programs and policies at a Pittsford Active Transportation Plan Community Open House to be held Thursday, 1/12 from 6:30 – 8pm at the Pittsford Fire Department Station #2, 465 Mendon Road. Boards and maps showing the draft recommendations will be on display and plan team members will be on hand to discuss the recommendations and take comments. The Active Transportation Plan goal is to create a bicycle and pedestrian friendly network that improves mobility and encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian travel for recreation and transportation purposes. Community members are encouraged to attend; attendees are welcome to stop in at any time from 6:30 – 8PM.

Updated 12/6/16:

The Active Transportation Plan committee has concluded its meetings; Ingalls Planning is finalizing an initial draft of the plan based upon public and committee input. A series of public information meetings will be scheduled for January, 2017 to present the draft plan information and to gather comments from the public about the draft plan.

Updated 6/7/16:

The Active Transportation Plan survey results were compiled by plan lead consultant Ingalls Planning and were reviewed with the Active Transportation Plan committee at a meeting on June 6. Ingalls Planning will use the survey results to help draft the Active Transportation Plan document.

Updated 3/30/16:

In order to enable participation by those who read about the Town/Village Pittsford Active Transportation Survey in our March issue of the Pittsford Messenger, we have extended access to the survey until April 15, 2016. Please let us know what matters most to you about biking and walking in Pittsford. If you don't bike or walk very often, let us know what might help you do it more! Your comments and ideas will help us create a plan for a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly network that best serves the needs of our community members - please take a few minutes and take our survey. Access to the survey has been extended through April 15, 2016; click HERE to take the survey.

Updated 2/8/16:

Due to a technical issue, no survey data was collected prior to noon on Monday, February 8 for the Town/Village Active Transportation Plan online survey. If you completed your survey before this time we apologize for the inconvenience and ask you to please complete the survey again. Your comments and ideas will help us create a plan for a pedestrian and bicycle-friendly network that best serves the needs of our community members. Access to the survey has been extended through March 4, 2016; click HERE to take the survey. Tell us what matters most to you when walking and biking in Pittsford. We’re interested in learning more about current use of walkways and bike paths in Pittsford and in finding out what kind of improvements are most important to our community members. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. The survey will be available until March 31, 2016.

Updated 2/1/16:

The Pittsford Active Transportation survey is now available online and will be open until Monday, February 29, 2016. Access the survey HERE. Tell us what matters most to you when walking and biking in Pittsford. We’re interested in learning more about current use of walkways and bike paths in Pittsford and in finding out what kind of improvements are most important to our community members. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete and responses are confidential. The survey will be available until February 29, 2016.

Updated 1/12/16:

The team from Ingalls Planning and Design is currently drafting a Community Active Transportation survey for Town and Village residents. The survey is expected to be finalized and made available online by mid-February; details will be announced in advance on the Town and Village websites and in the Town eNews.

Updated 12/14/15:

Members of the Town/Village Active Transportation Plan committee and Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee joined Town Supervisor Bill Smith, Village Mayor Bob Corby, and Town Commissioner of Public Works Paul Schenkel, along with staff members from Bergmann Associates and Ingalls Planning & Design, for a bus tour highlighting key areas and issues to consider in the planning process for both initiatives.

Updated 12/11/15:

Over 40 Town and Village residents, business owners and others attended the Pittsford Active Transportation Plan Community Open House on December 10, 2015 at the Pittsford Community Library. Attendees received an overview of the plan process and provided ideas and comments to plan team members regarding biking and walking infrastructure, needed connections to destinations, traffic calming efforts and other related topics.

Updated 6/25/15:

Project consultant Ingalls Planning and Design is in the process of collecting data regarding traffic counts, conditions of existing trails and walkways, etc. that will be used to assess current conditions and identify potential areas for improvement and opportunity. The Town is also currently developing a Citizen’s Committee to assist in the planning process. Extensive public input will be sought for the Pittsford Active Transportation Plan, including a community open house meeting expected to be held later in the year.

Background Info

The Pittsford Active Transportation Plan is a collaborative effort of the Town and Village of Pittsford. The Plan’s goal is to create a bicycle and pedestrian friendly network in the Town and Village of Pittsford that improves mobility and encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian travel for recreation and transportation purposes. The resulting plan will identify and suggest improvements to pedestrian and bicycle linkages/trails (e.g., to all neighboring Towns, Town and County parks, trails, schools, Universities, activity centers, etc.) and enable more effective, efficient, and innovative uses of public and private investments in Pittsford’s active transportation infrastructure.

An additional plan objective is to improve the levels of understanding, awareness, and education related to active transportation for users of all ages and abilities. The Plan will strive to encourage and promote walking and bicycling as a safe, convenient and viable mode of active transportation for all users.

The majority of funding for the Pittsford Active Transportation Plan ($70,000) was obtained from a grant awarded by the Genesee Transportation Council. The Town of Pittsford is contributing an additional $5,000 toward expenses and $2,000 in in-kind staffing and services. The Town of Pittsford selected Ingalls Planning and Design as the project's community planning and design consultant.

COMMUNITY ATHLETIC FIELDS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

Update 8/20/18

Our parks crews have had to focus on some trail repair projects and tree plantings but are currently planning to begin construction of the playground at Great Embankment Park sometime in September and complete the playground this fall. The Hopkins Park playing fields are ready for use.

Update 2/12/18

During breaks in the winter weather, Town crews put the finishing touches on most of the remaining elements of our Community Athletic Fields Improvement Project and final work on the project gets underway this spring.

Thornell Farm Park – the Turf field and all three grass fields will be ready for use this spring. Playground construction, begun last fall, is complete. We’ll finish final topsoil and seeding this spring but we are happy to announce the playground is open for use.

Hopkins Park – the playground and restrooms have been open for use since the fall and we expect the fields to be ready for use by this summer. Parking lot paving and additional topsoil and seeding work is planned for this spring.

Great Embankment – we will complete the remaining trail connections this spring and will begin playground construction in late spring.

Farm View Park – Town crews will be planting additional trees in the park this spring.

Update 8/2/17

Hopkins Park: the playground has been completed and is open to the public. Due to a very wet spring and a challenging growing season, the two playing fields are expected to be open for use in the spring of 2018. Thornell Farm Park: work on the playground continues.

Update 6/7/17

A dedication ceremony for all the new community athletic fields was held at Thornell Farm Park.

Update 6/2/17

All fields at Great Embankment Park and Farm View Park are open. All fields at Thornell Farm Park are open except the one by the road (which was the last field constructed); the last field has grass growing and will open in the spring of 2018.

Update 5/15/17

Winter and early spring weather did not allow further construction at field sites. Remaining construction will be underway as weather permits.

Updated 12/6/16:

Farm View Park and Great Embankment Park – athletic fields work for both parks is complete and we expect to have the fields in use by this spring. If the weather is mild enough, we hope to construct the playground at Great Embankment over the winter months. Thornell Farm Park – the synthetic turf field and tennis courts were completed over the summer and in use since the beginning of August; the three natural grass fields were also completed and seeded, with some expected to be online in spring and the remainder in fall of 2017. Weather permitting, we will build the playground over this winter. Hopkins Park – the restroom facility and field work has been completed. Playground construction is planned for this winter, parking lot paving will take place in the spring of 2017, and we expect the field to be online by fall of 2017.

Updated 7/6/16:

Restroom facilities for all four parks are near completion; some electrical and plumbing work continues. The majority of site work is complete Great Embankment Park; irrigation is underway to assist with grass growth and Parks crews have been planting trees and constructing trails. Irrigation, tree planting, and trail construction also continues at Farm View Park; the parking lot at the park has been paved. All underground utilities (electric, sewer and water) have been installed at Hopkins Park; parking lot paving will take place in the coming weeks. At the end of August, site contractors will be on site at Hopkins park to reconstruct the two fields. The majority of the site work is nearing completion at Thornell Farm Park. The synthetic turf field was completed in June and some miscellaneous fencing must yet be completed. The majority of the irrigation and underdrain are complete and topsoil restoration is underway. Once the dry spell ends and the irrigation is completed, the fields will be seeded. The tennis courts have been resurfaced and are now open.

Updated 3/14/16:

Winter shutdown continues on most park site work and excavating. However, the pavilions at Great Embankment Park and Thornell Farm Park were constructed over the winter months. The construction continued on the new restrooms at Hopkins, Great Embankment, and Farm View Parks over the winter as well. Renovations continued at the existing restroom and concession building at Thornell Farm Park and are currently underway. At Hopkins Park, some initial underground drainage was installed (work that would not affect spring and summer field usage).

Updated 1/14/16:

Outdoor site work is in winter shut down for all of the Community Athletic Fields Improvement Project locations, though some indoor facility work will proceed as weather permits (see 11/30/15 update below).

Updated 11/30/15:

Work on the field grounds at Great Embankment Park and the new Farm View Park is complete, and the parking expansion is complete at Great Embankment Park. Restroom construction at both sites will continue throughout the winter as weather permits. The majority of the rough site grading and electrical installation has been completed at Thornell Farm Park; synthetic turf is scheduled to be installed in the spring (2016), at which time the remainder of the fields will be seeded. The parking lot expansion at Thornell Farm Park is complete; fencing and restroom renovation work will continue through the winter as weather permits. The parking lot expansion was begun at Hopkins Park; work on the restrooms will continue through the winter as weather allows. Fields work at Hopkins Park is scheduled for fall of 2016 to allow for use of the current fields there during the 2016 spring and summer seasons.

Updated 9/22/15:

Wet weather caused some delays this summer but our project work is quickly moving ahead. For Great Embankment Park, irrigation installation has been completed and topsoil mix is being applied for two of the three fields; one field has been entirely seeded. Concrete sidewalk and restroom foundation has been completed. Electrical outlet installation and improvements to the park trails and driveway are in process. Farm View Park has seen the majority of underground drainage, concrete sidewalks and the foundation and underground utilities for the restrooms completed; installation of water and electric systems, irrigation, field fencing, dugouts and infields continues. Thornell Farm Park construction began in late August and all mass grading of earthwork is now completed, including the expanded parking area. Installation of underground utilities and drainage is underway.

Updated 6/25/15:

Construction has begun at Great Embankment Park and the future Farm View Park site north of Willard Road and adjacent to Calkins Road Middle School. Crews are currently working on underground utility work and surface grading excavation. The parks will begin to take shape in the coming weeks; we expect grass to be growing back by late August / early September. The next steps will include work on parking lots, fencing and park amenities. Work is expected to begin at Thornell Farm Park in late August or early September.

Updated 5/19/15:

Young athletes from several school and community sports groups joined Pittsford Town officials, staff and project partners for the Community Athletic Field Improvement Project’s official groundbreaking ceremony on May 19, 2015. The ceremony was held at the future site of the Town’s new baseball/softball fields along Willard Road which will be accessible via the Calkins Road Middle School entrance. The “gold shovel groundbreaking team” included participants from Pittsford Central School District Varsity teams, Pittsford Community Lacrosse, Pittsford Hawks Soccer Club, Pittsford Little League, Pittsford Mustangs Soccer, Pittsford Panthers Baseball and Pittsford Panthers Youth Football and Cheerleading.

Updated 3/19/15:

Town staff members are currently finalizing plans and bid specifications while procuring the necessary project permits, with the intention of the project going out to bid in April, 2015.

Updated 12/2/14:

In September, residents voted to fund our Community Athletic Fields Improvement Project which will provide much needed upgrades to fields and facilities at Great Embankment Park, Hopkins Road Park, and Thornell Farm Park, and create new fields at the Town’s Willard Road property. The preliminary schedule for the project’s various elements is being organized and we expect work to begin in the spring of 2015. Collaboration with the Pittsford Central School District throughout the project regarding the timing of each phase will minimize disruption in availability of fields during the project.

Background Info

The Community Athletic Fields Improvement Project will provide much needed upgrades to fields and facilities at Great Embankment Park, Hopkins Road Park, and Thornell Farm Park, and create new fields at the Town’s Willard Road property.

The Town of Pittsford began work in 2012 to develop a solution to resolve issues related to unsatisfactory athletic field conditions stemming from overuse/excessive demand, the inability to take fields off-line to “rest” and regenerate, and grading/drainage issues while also addressing a need for improved accessibility for all to town athletic fields.

The Comprehensive Plan committee met over the past several months, reviewing a draft document created by plan consultant Bergmann Associates. Bergmann is in the process of finalizing the plan draft based upon comments received by the committee members. Once the revised draft is completed, the Town Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed final draft; the public hearing is expected to be scheduled in early 2017.

Updated 4/11/16:

Approximately 35 residents joined us on March 30 at the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department Station 2 for a lively discussion about Pittsford's future growth, land use, and design. A meeting summary for the March 30, 2016 Land Use and Design Workshop for the Town of Pittsford Comprehensive Plan Update is available online; click the preceding link, or visit www.pittsfordplan.com. Plan consultant Bergmann Associates will compile public comments received and incorporate them as they develop a draft of the Comprehensive Plan Update.

Updated 3/8/16:

Our Land Use and Design Workshop for the Town of Pittsford Comprehensive Plan Update has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 3/30, at 6:30PM at the Pittsford Volunteer Fire Department Station #2, (465 Mendon Road, Pittsford). Community members are encouraged to attend and provide comments and ideas regarding priorities and approaches for Pittsford’s future. At this interactive workshop, members of the public can share ideas and help determine priorities regarding future residential development and the Town’s approach to greenways and trails, historic resources, commercial development, roads and corridors, and scenic views. For more information, or to share comments online, click HERE or visit www.pittsfordplan.com.

Updated 2/18/16:

We expect to schedule a Land Use and Design Workshop for the Town of Pittsford Comprehensive Plan Update in late March. At this interactive workshop, members of the public will be able to share ideas and help determine priorities regarding future residential development and the Town’s approach to greenways and trails, historic resources, commercial development, roads and corridors, and scenic views. For more information, or to share comments online, click HERE or visit www.pittsfordplan.com.

Updated 1/15/16:

Plan consultant Bergmann Associates is currently completing technical analyses and preparing a draft plan. A Land Use Workshop will be scheduled for some time in February, 2016.

Updated 12/14/15:

Members of the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update Steering Committee and the Town/Village Active Transportation Plan committee joined Town Supervisor Bill Smith, Village Mayor Bob Corby, and Town Commissioner of Public Works Paul Schenkel, along with staff members from Bergmann Associates and Ingalls Planning & Design, for a bus tour highlighting key areas and issues to consider in the planning process for both initiatives.

Updated 11/6/15:

Our first Public Visioning meeting was held at the Pittsford Community Library on November 5, 2015 with approximately 75 attendees. The project team and Steering Committee members were introduced, and staff from plan consultant Bergman Associates provided information on the Comprehensive Plan Update process and key findings from an analysis of existing conditions. Attendees then broke into smaller groups and were led through an interactive visioning exercise designed to enable community members to contribute ideas about the future of the Town. The resulting “Rich Pictures” provided a range of comments and ideas.

Updated 9/29/15:

A public visioning meeting for the Town’s Comprehensive Plan Update 2015 has been scheduled for Thursday, November 5 at 6PM at the Pittsford Community Library (24 State Street). Pittsford community members are invited to attend and provide input on the various components of the plan.

The Comprehensive Plan update will focus on several topics of interest to the community, including preservation of open space, access to parks and trails, and the potential impacts of future growth (local and regional) on the town’s transportation system and character. Your input is needed to make this plan a success – please join us. You may also share your comments online HERE or go to our Comprehensive Plan Update 2015 website www.pittsfordplan.com and click the “Share your ideas” block.

Updated 9/15/15:

The Town launched its Comprehensive Plan Update 2015 website www.pittsfordplan.com in July, which includes information about the 2015 update process, background materials regarding prior Town planning, and an interface for community members to share suggestions and feedback. Plan Consultant Bergmann Associates is currently analyzing data and conducting interviews with Town staff and a variety of community stakeholders (farmers, business owners, not-for-profit representatives, community leaders, etc.); a public visioning meeting is expected to be confirmed later this month for a date in early November.

Updated 5/22/15:

Plan consultant Bergmann Associates is in the data collection process, gathering background information and completing an existing conditions analysis. The first Steering Committee meeting was held May 19, 2015 and included discussion of the project overview, background, and scope of work. A website providing information on previous planning efforts and information about the update process is expected to go live in late July, 2015 and will include opportunity for the public to provide feedback. Public input sessions will also be scheduled once preliminary information has been gathered and assessed.

Updated 12/2/14:

Town staff have completed an initial meeting with the plan consultant. The Steering Committee is being finalized and plans are underway to schedule the first Steering Committee meeting.

Updated 12/2/14:

Pittsford’s Comprehensive Plan was last updated in 2009. Changes in our community and new considerations since then necessitate a review of the plan to determine any needed updating. A Steering Committee comprised of community members will work with the plan consultant Bergmann Associates to make initial recommendations and a series of public forums will be held starting early in 2015 to gather further public input.

Town of Pittsford residents voted to approve $9.3 million in bond financing for the Town’s Spiegel Community Center upgrade, remodel and expansion project in a referendum held Tuesday, October 18, 2016. Ongoing updates about the vote and the project will be posted to the Community Center Project page at www.townofpittsford.org/community-center-project.

Updated 8/16/16:

The Pittsford Town Board has set a public referendum date for Tuesday, October 18 to enable residents to vote on the board’s proposal to bond $9.3 million to finance the renovation, remodeling and expansion of the Town’s Spiegel Community Center located at 35 Lincoln Avenue. The decision came at the board’s August 11 meeting. The referendum vote on the project funding will be held from 7AM – 9PM at King’s Bend Park (170 Jefferson Road).

Updated 7/20/16:

The Pittsford Town Board released its Community Center Report and recommends a complete renovation of the Spiegel Community Center. The report concludes that the renovation is the most cost-efficient and desirable option to provide the community with an attractive and functional facility able to accommodate current and future recreation programming needs. See the report here.

The Pittsford Town Board has scheduled a series of public comment meetings to discuss a way forward for the Town's community center and to provide details about potential options. The public information meetings will be held in Room 201 of the Spiegel Community Center, 35 Lincoln Avenue, as follows: Tuesday, June 21 at 7pm, Wednesday, June 29 at 7pm, and Saturday, July 9 at 10am. The Town seeks to obtain advice and comments from residents about concept plans to be presented and the needs and options for the Town community center. The Citizen Committee for the Community Center Project met over the past several months. Working with the project's master planning consultant Passero Associates, the Town Board is reviewing the work of the Citizen Committee and now seeks general public comment as it proceeds toward a final recommendation to make to Town residents. Public comment will help ensure the future success of our community center. Please plan to attend! Comments about the community center may also be made to communitycentercomments@townofpittsford.org.

Updated 2/17/16:

The Citizen Committee for the Spiegel Community Center master planning project will be meeting over the next few months to review conceptual site plans developed by architecture/engineering consultant Passero Associates.

Updated 9/8/15:

Project architecture/engineering consultant Passero Associates is currently developing conceptual site plans; once completed a Master Plan Advisory Committee meeting will be scheduled to review them.

Updated 6/24/15:

Project consultant Passero Associates has met with Town staff to discuss programming and space needs and issues, and has toured the community center and senior center facilities, as well as comparable facilities in the area, to identify current use issues and possible future use options. A site survey of the Spiegel Center area is underway. Next steps include gathering input from the Master Plan Advisory Committee and creating concepts for review.

Updated 3/9/15:

On March 3, staff held the initial project kickoff meeting with the master planning consultant (Passero Associates) and associated project parties.

Updated 12/2/14:

The Town Board recently selected Passero Associates to advise and help organize the master planning process for the Spiegel Community Center Restoration and Improvement project. The process will entail assessing the physical conditions of the Spiegel building and examining our existing recreation programs as they relate to current and anticipated space and needs; any proposed renovation or improvements will be developed in keeping with maintaining the historic character of the building. The Town will appoint an advisory citizens committee to work with Passero to develop the preliminary plan this winter. A series of community comment sessions for the general public will be scheduled at that time.

Background Info

The Spiegel Community Center project includes developing and implementing a master plan to address current and future needs of the Paul M. Spiegel Community Center. Over the past several years the Town also has been dealing with increasing maintenance issues at the Spiegel Community Center and the necessity to address the long-term needs of the building.

TOWN SIDEWALK PROJECTS UPDATE

In order to make Pittsford an even more walkable community, the Pittsford Town Board has currently identified as priorities three sidewalk projects. These projects are in varying stages of planning and identifying funding sources; each will require full public review and input to allow them to move forward if the public and the affected neighborhoods support them. The following is an update on the current progress of each project.

Calkins-Tobey-Mendon Center “Safe Routes to School” Project

Update 7/18/17

The sidewalk along Tobey Road to Stone Road has been completed. Some tree plantings are still needed along the Tobey Road section of the route and will be planted in the fall.

Update 4/18/17

Work was begun on the sidewalk along Tobey Road from Trotters Field Run to Stone Road.

Updated 12/6/16

The NYS grant-funded portion of the project is complete, with sidewalks constructed along the south side of Calkins Road and the east side of Mendon Center Road, from Calkins Road Middle School to Mendon Center Elementary School, as well as along the east side of Tobey Road, from Calkins Road to Trotters Field Run, and a signalized pedestrian crosswalk at the Calkins-Tobey-Mendon Center intersection. Next year, we plan to continue the sidewalk along Tobey Road to Stone Road.

Updated 7/6/16:

The last concrete pour will be done next week, thereby completing a contiguous sidewalk from Mendon Center Elementary School to Calkins Road Middle School. Topsoil restoration with seeding will be completed along the Calkins Road stretch of the project next week; Town crews continue to do all they can to keep the grass watered during the current extremely dry conditions. The next focus of the project will be on construction of the sidewalk along Tobey Road.

Updated 5/3/16:

Concrete pour preparation and site topsoil restoration and seeding are underway. Necessary tree removal and utility pole relocation began along the Tobey Road section of the project.

Updated 1/14/16:

The project is currently in winter shutdown; work will start up again first thing in the spring as weather permits.

Updated 11/30/15:

The pedestrian crossing at the Calkins-Tobey-Mendon Center intersection and the retaining wall at the Calkins-Tobey intersection have been completed.

Updated 9/22/15:

Sidewalk installation and topsoil/reseeding restoration continues heading down Calkins Road toward the Calkins Road Middle School; a retaining wall at the Calkins/Toby intersection is under construction.

Updated 6/25/15:

Town staff are pouring the sidewalks, the pedestrian crosswalk improvements are nearing completion, and paving is being done on Calkins Road.

Updated 3/9/15:

Once the weather breaks and the freezing temperatures are behind us, construction for pedestrian signal improvements will be back underway at the Calkins-Tobey-Mendon Center roads intersection; project construction is expected to be completed by the end of summer 2015.

Updated 12/2/14:

A project status meeting for area residents was held in October. Construction for pedestrian signal improvements is underway at the Calkins-Tobey-Mendon Center roads intersection; project construction is expected to continue through spring of 2015.

Updated 8/14/14:

The Town’s funding comments for the project have been submitted to the NYS Department of Transportation for their approval. Town staff are currently working on coordinating a public information meeting on the status of the project. Once the details and date have been confirmed all adjoining neighborhoods will be notified via mail and public notification will be submitted to local media and included in the Town eNews and on the Town website.

Updated 7/31/14:

We have received good news that will allow us to move forward with this project – the Town just received a permit from the New York State Department of Transportation to commence work on the project and is expecting shortly that the Monroe County Department of Transportation will issue a permit to us as well. Town staff are currently addressing comments received from Monroe County DOT. Additional comments regarding the project’s funding were received from NYS-DOT; Town staff are addressing those comments and will resubmit the funding request. The Town is currently coordinating plans for a public information meeting to be held within the next few weeks.

Updated 5/14/14:

This project contemplates sidewalks along the south side of Calkins Road and the east side of Mendon Center Road, from Calkins Road Middle School to Mendon Center Elementary School. It includes as well sidewalks along the east side of Tobey Road, from Calkins Road to Stone Road. It provides for a signalized crosswalk and will connect to existing walkways within the surrounding residential area. The principal purpose of this project is to permit children to walk and bicycle safely to school.

The Town has recently received approval from the New York State Department of Transportation to use its own crews to construct the proposed sidewalks. The NYS DOT agreed that construction by Town crews, rather than a contracted vendor, would allow for the most efficient and cost-effective approach while maintaining high construction standards. This intermediate step now allows Town engineers to continue to finalize the projects contract drawings and specifications. Concurrently, Town staff is working on bid specifications for pedestrian crossings at the Tobey-Calkins-Mendon Center intersection. The Town is still awaiting NYS DOT approval of the proposed preliminary plan and will also need to receive a permit from NYS DOT to begin construction.

When the State approves the Town’s preliminary plan, the Town will schedule public information meetings to discuss it and receive input. Depending on when the state responds and on public response, construction conceivably could begin as early as this summer. This project is substantially funded, in part by the federal “Safe Routes to School” program.

Concrete pours, topsoil restoration and tree removal and replanting work continued through the summer and fall; by fall we completed Phase 1, constructing a concrete sidewalk along East Avenue all the way to the south entrance of Kilbourne Road. We have also completed pedestrian signal improvements (crosswalks and signal lights) at French Road at East Avenue and at East Avenue at Nazareth College. The majority of the topsoil restoration for the project has been completed and retaining walls have been completed. Due to cold and wet fall weather, grass seeding did not take as well as we would like, so crews will reseed as needed in the spring.

Phase 2 plans have been submitted to NYSDOT for approval. Pending approval, we will begin Phase 2 during the winter months, undertaking necessary tree removals. We are currently coordinating with NYSDOT so our project work does not interfere with their planned resurfacing work for East Avenue and will plan accordingly with Oak Hill Country Club so as not to adversely impact the Senior PGA Championship planned for May, 2019.

Update 10/30/18

Town crews continue to plant trees and shrubs along the project area to replace those that had to be removed for sidewalk construction

Update 5/21/18

Project work has begun at the south entrance of Nazareth College and will continue to move north with concrete pours and topsoil restoration. We will also begin work on the retaining wall adjacent to the Irondequoit Country Club. Plans are being finalized for Phase 2 of the project, which includes sidewalk construction from the south entrance of Kilbourn Road to the Brighton Town line.

Update 11/21/17

Additional concrete pours and topsoil restoration continued through late summer and early fall. Project work will begin again in the spring.

Update 8/2/17

The first two concrete pours between French Road and Nazareth College have been completed and topsoil restoration is underway. We continue to move the sidewalk toward the south entrance of Nazareth College. We are now working with our engineers on the specifications for contracting out the signalized pedestrian crossings.

Updated 5/7/17:

Work has commenced on Phase I of the new East Avenue sidewalk project. This is a $535,000 project that’s fully funded. In 2016, we completed the final project design and the construction application. Thanks to State Senator Rich Funke, we secured full State funding for the project. The East Avenue sidewalk will connect the Village with the Brighton town line, providing a safe pathway for residents and the many students at St. John Fisher and Nazareth Colleges who live along the way.

Updated 12/6/16:

We continue to work on the final project design, the NYSDOT construction application, and on securing project funding; we expect to finalize these efforts by mid-winter and begin construction by spring 2017.

Updated 7/5/16:

Town staff have been meeting one-on-one with affected residents and continue to do so. Public comments have been reviewed with the consulting engineer and are being incorporated into the final design for Phase I of the project. The Town continues to pursue funding for the project. The Town expects to present Phase I plans to the NYS Department of Transportation by the end of summer for NYSDOT approval.

Updated 5/26/16:

Town staff presented sidewalk plans for all three phases on the project and focused on the details related to Phase I. Approximately 60 residents attended the meeting and shared many constructive comments with staff regarding the project.

Updated 5/17/16:

The Town of Pittsford’s Public Information Meeting regarding the proposed East Avenue Sidewalk Project is Wednesday, May 25 at 7pm at St. John Fisher College in room 100 of the Wegmans School of Nursing (3690 East Avenue); attendees may park in Lot F.

Town engineers have completed preliminary plans for a sidewalk on East Avenue, based in part on suggestions received from residents in the immediate area. The meeting will provide detailed information on the preliminary plans for Phase I of the potentially 3-phase project; comments will be welcome on all potential phases of the project and may also be made to Town Public Works Commissioner Paul Schenkel via email at pschenkel@townofpittsford.org or via phone at (585) 248-6250. A concept map of the project can be found here.

The focus of the Town’s East Avenue Sidewalk Project is to provide safe pedestrian access along East Avenue from the adjoining neighborhoods, colleges and the Village of Pittsford. Phase I of the proposed project includes sidewalk construction along the west side of North Main Street/East Avenue from the Village line to the south entrance of Kilbourn Road. Phase II would include sidewalks on the west side of East Avenue from Kilbourn Road to Fairport Road, and along the south side of East Avenue to the Brighton town line. Phase III of the project would construct sidewalks along the east side of East Avenue from Alpine Drive to Fairport Road, along the north and south sides of Fairport Road from Murphy Hall (near the Fairport Road exit of Alpine Drive) to the East Avenue intersection, and continuing along the north side of Fairport Road to the north entrance of Kilbourn Road.

Updated 1/15/16:

As funding sources for the project are still being determined, the public information meeting is expected instead to be held in early spring, 2016. Meeting logistics are currently being worked out; notification will be mailed to directly impacted residents in the East Avenue area and general public notification will be made on the Town’s website and in the Town eNews.

Updated 9/21/15:

Town staff are currently working out meeting location logistics to schedule a public information meeting planned for mid-October.

Updated 6/11/15:

The Town is currently seeking funding opportunities for the project; public input sessions will be scheduled once funding options have been clarified.

Updated 3/16/15:

Town staff continue to coordinate and address inquiries and input from the NYS Department of Transportation. We are currently planning to schedule public comment sessions by early May of 2015.

Updated 12/2/14:

Phasing and budgetary estimates for the project are complete. The construction budget for Phase I (Village line to south entrance of Kilbourn Road) has been developed but at present funding is not yet in place for this project; staff continue exploring funding options. Final Phase I design work is underway; public comment sessions and the resulting final Phase I plan are expected to be completed by spring of 2015.

Updated 8/14/14:

Town staff have drafted a phasing and budgetary estimate for the project. The budget for Construction Phase I for the project has been submitted for consideration in the 2015 budget; Phase I construction would include the area from the Village line to the south entrance of Kilbourn Road. Staff are currently waiting to receive comments back from the NYS Department of Transportation regarding our project plan.

While we did not receive the TAP funding for which we applied in June of this year, the Town is still pursuing grant opportunities to help fund the project.

Updated 7/31/14:

Finalized preliminary plans were submitted to New York State Department of Transportation on July 14; the Town is awaiting comments from NYS-DOT. Town staff are currently reviewing the proposed phasing and budget for the project which was drafted by Town staff and the Town’s engineering consultant MRB Group.

Updated 5/14/14:

Town engineers have completed a preliminary plan, based on suggestions and advice from residents in the immediate area, including design options, for a sidewalk along the west side of North Main Street/East Avenue, from the Village of Pittsford to the Brighton town line. As a second, related component of this project, a separate preliminary plan has been completed for sidewalks on the east side of East Avenue from Alpine Drive to Fairport Road, and along the north and south sides of Fairport Road from Murphy Hall (near the Fairport Road exit of Alpine Drive) to Kilbourn Road.

At the end of 2013 the Town applied for full funding of both phases of the East Avenue sidewalks project via a Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) grant through the NYS DOT. Unfortunately, we received word in early 2014 that this grant application was rejected. This June, in partnership with St. John Fisher College, the Town will apply for Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding for the project. The TAP funding would provide for enhancements, including sidewalks, to a portion of East Avenue and Fairport Road between Ellingwood Drive and Interstate 490.

Concurrently, the Town is working on submission of both Phase I and Phase II sidewalk plans to NYS DOT. Based on our experience, the State’s response could take as long as a year. Of course, we will use every effort to obtain the State's response as promptly as possible. That response may require revision of the preliminary plans submitted. Following that, and subject to the Town identifying funding for the project, the Town would schedule sessions to solicit response and advice from neighbors and the public. At present, no funding is in place for this project. While awaiting state action, the Town will explore funding options.

Stone Road Multi-Use Pathway

Updated 6/19/15:

The project is still in process; resource scheduling must be completed, and then public meetings will be scheduled.

Updated 3/19/15:

Public meetings to discuss the proposal and obtain public response are expected to be held this spring.

Updated 5/14/14:

A few years ago, improvements planned for a portion of Stone Road would have required installing shoulders of five feet in width along Stone from Clover Street, running east to slightly past South Pittsford Hill Lane. This was driven by requirements of state and federal funding. Neighbors objected, and the State and the Monroe County Department of Transportation accepted, in place of the shoulders, a proposed multi-use pathway incorporating crosswalks and connecting with existing Town trails in the area along Stone Road from Clover Street to slightly past South Pittsford Hill Lane. This project is substantially funded by both public and private funds and pledges. The Town expects to announce shortly public meetings to discuss the proposal and to obtain public response.

As each of these projects progress, the Town will provide updated status information on the town website. Community members can direct any questions or concerns regarding these projects to Pittsford Commissioner of Public Works Paul Schenkel via email or phone (585) 248-6250.